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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an Entry Level Police Officer of Firefighter position?

Applications can only be completed through our website. When you apply, you will also schedule yourself to take the written test. No applications are accepted through the mail. To complete an application click here

How long does the Entry Level hiring process take?

The hiring process can take from 6 months to two years depending on the hiring needs of the department, your total score and the next available academy. An applicant must pass all test/screening phases and be selected by the Manager of Safety before being hired and starting an academy. To learn about the test phases, view the Police Testing Flowchart, or Fire Testing Flowchart.

Why is the computer not letting me reapply?

There could be a few reasons why you are not being allowed to re-apply. Some of the most common reasons are:

The Commission is not accepting any applications at this time.

Not enough time has passed since you last took the written test. If you passed the written test, you are not eligible to re-apply for one year from the date you took the written test.

You did not show or cancel a scheduled test appointment and are being assessed a no-show fee. Please contact the Commission at (720) 913-3370 or click on “Check your Status” to determine what test you missed and the fee you must pay.

You do not meet our minimum qualifications to apply and have been disqualified. Please review our minimum qualifications.

What if I can’t readily locate my high school diploma?

You may substitute a letter from your high school on official letterhead, which indicates your date of graduation or you may substitute an official high school transcript if it indicates date of high school graduation on the transcript.

If an applicant requests an accommodation in the application process, we are entitled to determine whether you have a covered disability within the meaning of the American Disability Act (ADA), and whether such disability requires an accommodation. Specifically, in order to determine whether you have a covered disability within the meaning of the ADA, we need a recent statement (dated within the last six months) from an appropriate health care provider. See the 'ADA Requests and Questions' section for more information.

How do I pay the “no show” fee so I can reapply?
Payment for no-show test fees are accepted by check or money order only. NO CASH accepted. Make Checks to the Treasurer -City and County ofDenver. Mail payment to:

Denver Civil Service Commission

Webb Municipal Building, 7th Floor

Accounts Recievable

201 W. Colfax Ave, Dept 1208

Denver, CO 80202

What is the exact cost of a "No Show" Fee?
The Commission has established the following fees for applicants who do not cancel or fail to show up for a schedule appointment: -

Written/video test is $25.00

Suitability interview is $65.00

Polygraph examination is $50.00

When can I re-test for Police Officer or Firefighter?

Re-test opportunities are available under two circumstances:

1) Applicants who pass the written test may re-apply and test one year from the date of their original written test, if testing slots are available. 2) Applicants who fail the written test may re-apply and test six months from the date of their last written test.

I am an out-of-state applicant, how many times will I need to travel toDenver for testing?

In order to determine whether you have a covered disability within the meaning of the ADA, we need a recent statement (dated within the last six months) from an appropriate health care provider answering the following questions:

4. In light of the corrective measures and/or medication, if any, referenced in response to the above question, what, if any, of the applicant’s major life activities are substantially limited by his/her diagnosed condition(s)? Please describe how each major life activity is substantially limited despite any corrective measures and/or medication. If no major life activities are substantially limited, please so state.

An impairment is substantially limiting when it renders a person unable to perform major life activities that the average person can perform, or when it significantly restricts the condition, manner, or duration under which he or she can perform the major life activity as compared to an average person. 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(j)(1)(i) & (ii). In determining whether an individual is substantially limited in a major life activity, the following three factors should be considered: (1) the nature and severity of the impairment; (2) the duration or expected duration of the impairment; and (3) the permanent long term impact, or the expected permanent or long term impact of or resulting from the impairment. 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(j)(2). You should provide your provider with this definition and ask the provider to specifically address these factors in setting forth what, if any, substantial limitations you have resulting from the diagnosis (es).

5. What, if any, specific reasonable accommodations are needed regarding the Police Officer tests? Please include in your response, an answer to the following:

If prolonged test taking time is recommended, please indicate the specific length of additional time that is needed for each test component described below.

<Insert letter regarding police test times and tasks of a police officer.>

Does my patrol experience (i.e. calls to duty) have to be consecutive?

No, the time does not have to be consecutive.

I have three consecutive years of police experience: two years on the street and one year as a School Resource Officer, does that qualify me for lateral entry consideration?

No, the department has indicated that being a school resource officer is not the same as answering calls street duty. You would not meet the experience requirement.

Does my deputy sheriff experience count toward the required three years patrol experience?

If you are post-certified, the classification of a deputy sheriff may count if your experience is in actual calls street duty and not just transportation of prisoners or working in a jail environment. If you are currently employed in a sworn position, and have had the minimum three years patrol experience in the past, you may be eligible.

If I am currently a campus security officer, does this count toward the three years of patrol experience?

Campus security does not typically qualify as lateral experience. However, if your are a police officer at a “Full Service” university Police Department, such as the University of Colorado at Boulder Police Department and Colorado State University Police Department, your experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis for lateral appointment. “Full Service” is defined as an agency in which the officers respond to calls for service, make arrests and file criminal cases without having to do so through another law enforcement agency. “Full Service” university police department patrol experience can satisfy the minimum three years patrol experience that must be obtained prior to application.

I was disqualified during the testing process, can you explain why?There are several reasons why this may have occurred:

You may not meet the minimum qualifications. You should have received written notice from the Commission explaining why you were not qualified.

You did not successfully complete a required test phase. You should have received a letter from the Commission indicating what testing phase you did not successfully complete. The Commission will disclose if you failed the physical ability test, suitability phases of testing, or any component of the medical evaluation.

Your application file may contain information that is deemed unsuitable for individuals applying for employment in a public safety capacity. If your file is found unsuitable for employment consideration, you may fail the preliminary or background review testing phase. Applicants waive any right or opportunity to read or review any information related to background information therefore, specific reasons for non-selection are not provided.

I think I answered an application questions incorrectly and was disqualified. What can I do?

Please send a written request to the Executive Director, Earl E. Peterson. The request should include the question you answered incorrectly, the reason the answer is incorrect, any supporting documentation to show the answer is incorrect, and contact information(including mailing address and phone number) where you can be reached.

I was not selected to continue for academy consideration. Why?There are several reasons why this may occurred:

You did not pass the required test phases, or your file was deemed unsuitable for employment consideration in the public safety capacity.

You were not available to complete the required testing.

Your score was not high enough for your name to be placed on the Eligible Register.

Your name is on the Eligible Register, but your rank was not high enough to be certified to the Manager of Safety.

Your name was certified, but the Manager of Safety did not select you.

Your name was certified, but there were insufficient openings in the academy class.

When is the next Police Officer or Firefighter Academy?
The academy start date depends upon the personnel needs of the department. Please contact the Commission for infomation regarding next anticipated start date.

What is the starting salary and benefits for a Police Officer or Firefighter?

For 2008 the starting salary is $43,824 annually for Police Officer Recruits and $41,604 annually for Fire recruits. The benefits are part of a collective bargaining agreement. The benefits include vacation and sick leave, medical, dental, vision, and retirement options. Click here for more details about police benefits: Collective Bargaining Agreement

Where is the Police and Fire Academy located?The police academy is currently located at:
2155 N. Akron Way
Denver CO
80238
(303) 370-1500.

How long is the academy for a entry level and lateral entry Police Officers?The academies combine both entry level and lateral-entry recruits in the same class. For entry-level police officers, the academy is approximately 27 weeks long. For later-entry police officers, the academy may be from 10 to 27 weeks depending upon the individual’s level of performance in the academy and prior police experience and training. Trainig schedule vary but are typically Monday through Friday. The FTO program typically runs from 2 ½ months to 3 ½ months. Recruits are paid a full salary while in academy. Lateral-entry may be advance in pay and rank upon completion of the academy. Recruits must provide his or her own housing during academy.

How long is the fire academy?
The fire academy is approximately 24 weeks long. Training schedules vary but are typical Monday through Friday. There are no lateral entry provisions for the Fire Department. Housing is off-site. Other arrangements must be made with the Fire Academy.

Does my academy training count toward the three years of patrol experience?
No, your training academy does not count toward the requirement for patrol experience. However, upon successful completion of an academy, the field training time does count.

I work for another Police Department; can I transfer my retirement into DPD?

The Denver Police Department retirement progam is administered by State Fire Police Pension Association plan. If your current department uses the state plan, you may be able to transfer. If your current department does not follow the state plan, you may be able to buy credits. Please contact the Police Human Resources for further information at 720-913-6644.

The Public Safety Cadet Program is through the Manager of Safety’s Office. For specific information on how to become a cadet. Please contact the Public Safety Recruitment Office at (720) 913-3390 or visit the Public Safety Cadet Program website.